1
as in cuddling
to touch one another with the lips as a sign of love
it's traditional for couples to kiss under the mistletoe at Christmastime
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in brushing
to pass lightly across or touch gently especially in passing
a gentle breeze kissing the water's surface
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of kissing
Watson was photographed kissing Oxford University classmate Kieran Brown in July 2024.
—
Jami Ganz, New York Daily News, 5 Mar. 2026
The Harry Potter actress was recently seen kissing Gonzalo Hevia Baillères, a tech CEO and billionaire from Mexico, in photos obtained by People.
—Meg Walters, InStyle, 5 Mar. 2026
The thought of kissing the cloth is revolting.
—Literary Hub, 4 Mar. 2026
Memes multiplied of a couple passionately kissing in the background of a nuclear mushroom cloud.
—Neringa Klumbytė, The Conversation, 4 Mar. 2026
Artist Rafa Esparza, who had a painting on view showing men in cowboy hats dancing closely and kissing, called the content advisory censorship.
—Uwa Ede-Osifo, Dallas Morning News, 27 Feb. 2026
But what’s undeniable to anyone with two eyes is that Ellison, like so many corporate leaders, has been kissing up to Trump for more than a year — first to get control of Paramount and then in an attempt to make his company’s acquisition of Warners look inevitable.
—Josef Adalian, Vulture, 27 Feb. 2026
Thurman, a tight end who played three seasons at Ohio State before transferring to North Carolina last month, posted tributes to his mother on his Instagram Story, including a photo of her kissing him as a baby at a Shock media day photo shoot.
—Los Angeles Times, 23 Feb. 2026
Bloodworth said that before Eric’s death, Kouri Richins’ boyfriend had texted her an image of two people kissing.
—Minyvonne Burke, NBC news, 23 Feb. 2026
Jami Ganz, New York Daily News, 5 Mar. 2026
The Harry Potter actress was recently seen kissing Gonzalo Hevia Baillères, a tech CEO and billionaire from Mexico, in photos obtained by People.
—Meg Walters, InStyle, 5 Mar. 2026
The thought of kissing the cloth is revolting.
—Literary Hub, 4 Mar. 2026
Memes multiplied of a couple passionately kissing in the background of a nuclear mushroom cloud.
—Neringa Klumbytė, The Conversation, 4 Mar. 2026
Artist Rafa Esparza, who had a painting on view showing men in cowboy hats dancing closely and kissing, called the content advisory censorship.
—Uwa Ede-Osifo, Dallas Morning News, 27 Feb. 2026
But what’s undeniable to anyone with two eyes is that Ellison, like so many corporate leaders, has been kissing up to Trump for more than a year — first to get control of Paramount and then in an attempt to make his company’s acquisition of Warners look inevitable.
—Josef Adalian, Vulture, 27 Feb. 2026
Thurman, a tight end who played three seasons at Ohio State before transferring to North Carolina last month, posted tributes to his mother on his Instagram Story, including a photo of her kissing him as a baby at a Shock media day photo shoot.
—Los Angeles Times, 23 Feb. 2026
Bloodworth said that before Eric’s death, Kouri Richins’ boyfriend had texted her an image of two people kissing.
—Minyvonne Burke, NBC news, 23 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for kissing
Verb
-
This ultra-soft fleece blanket is perfect for draping over a sofa for movie nights, cuddling up to on cold mornings, and layering on the bed for extra lightweight warmth.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
21 Feb. 2026
-
From greeting us at the door to cuddling beside us on tough days, our pets play a big role in our lives — and our happiness.—
Kelsey Monstrola,
USA Today,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
This includes activities like brushing your hair, reaching for objects on shelves or playing certain sports.—
NBC news,
NBC news,
11 Mar. 2026
-
After each dangerous sequence, however, the singer is shown casually brushing himself off and returning to set, while the stunt performers who executed the risky scenes appear bruised and dusty as filming wraps.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
7 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
On Monday, the actress shared her latest Instagram carousel, which showed the actor smooching Alba on the cheek.—
Hannah Malach,
InStyle,
5 Jan. 2026
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Elsewhere in their conversation for VF, Hawke pointed out that Paltrow's Central Park kiss with Chalamet is reminiscent of a moment from Great Expectations, which saw the two actors smooching in the park.—
Shania Russell,
Entertainment Weekly,
28 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
Serve the egg on the side for anyone who prefers things not touching.—
Allison Palmer,
Kansas City Star,
10 Mar. 2026
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People with seasonal allergies should avoid touching their eyes while outside and quickly wash up and change clothes once indoors, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.—
Hali Smith
March 10,
Idaho Statesman,
10 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
For the occasion, Curtis wowed in a plunging LBD that featured a super low-cut V-neckline, figure-hugging silhouette, and decadent satin fabric.—
Christina Perrier,
InStyle,
5 Mar. 2026
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When other monkeys shooed the baby away, Punch rushed back to the toy orangutan, hugging it for comfort.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
4 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Records of this meeting clearly indicate that each of these was in dire need of snuggling, as well as Cabinet-level scratches underneath its ears.—
Daniel Engber,
The Atlantic,
22 Feb. 2026
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Bedsure GentleSoft Fleece Blanket There’s nothing quite like snuggling under a cozy blanket during chilly weather.—
Brittany VanDerBill,
Better Homes & Gardens,
20 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Kissing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/kissing. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
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